It is officially holiday count down time, and for many of us that means it is time to start thinking of creative gifts to wow our loved ones.  If you know someone who is a fan of tech gear a drone could be a great gift for them.  But knowing what type of drone or drone accessories to get can be quite daunting.  There are so many options available, where should one start?  Thankfully there are options for droners of every capability.

For young droners, and the young at heart, or the beginning droner there are plenty of small easy to use drones.  These drones range in size from small single rotor palm sized drones to small quadrocopters designed for indoor and outdoor use.  Considered “toy drones” these drones can be found for as little as $5, a great option for a stocking stuffer.  These small drones are usually ready to use as soon as they come out of the box, after a short charging time.  And because of their inexpensive price there is no need to worry if they get damaged while the pilot is first learning how to fly a drone.  That being said, these small sized drones are still surprisingly sturdy.

For the more experienced drone operator there are so many choices to help them build onto their existing equipment.  One great idea would be back up parts to compliment the drone system they are already using.  Extra rotor blades and battery packs are always appreciated.  Drones are notorious for having a short battery life.  Giving someone extra batteries for their specific drone can give them the opportunity to fly for extend periods of time.  After the batteries, the rotor blades are usually the next part of a drone to go because of all the wear and tear placed on them.  Another great option for someone who already has a drone would be to get them a portable carrier to store their drone and all of their equipment in.  The good thing about all of these options is that all you need to know is what type of drone your recipient already has and you can get them a gift that will impress them while still staying within a reasonable budget.

If you want to get someone a new drone entirely it can be a bit overwhelming.  The first thing to consider is what types of activities they would use their drone for.  Is your recipient into racing, trick flying, photography, coding?  There are ready to go drones for every type of user.  These more advanced drones can range in price from a couple of hundred dollars into to the thousands.  The more advanced the equipment, the more expensive the drone.  However there are plenty of high quality drones that are available for around $100-$300, especially this time of year.  These may not be professional grade drones, but they also would not require much knowledge of how to work a drone.

For the hobbyist, there are endless components you could get so they could build their own drone.  There are kits that come with all the parts needed or each piece can be purchased a-la-carte.  These DIY drones also come in a wide range of capabilities.  There are options for kids and beginning droners, to experienced and professional pilots as well.  The important thing to remember is to make sure you get everything your recipient will need to get their drone built and in the air, including batteries and a remote controller.

Another option still is to get someone classes to learn how to properly fly a drone and then become a Part 107 certified pilot.  This is the certification required for any drone operator to use their drone for commercial purposes.  Drone training facilities and classes are becoming more and more popular.  There are online courses as well as in person classes.  By going to the FAA’s website you can locate Part 107 testing sites as well, gifting someone with the tools they may need to further their hobby into a career.

If you are looking for a charitable cause, there are many schools and organizations looking to add drone programs to their curriculum.  Think of funding your local police, fire, or emergency crews to upgrade their technology with drones.  A gift that can help protect and save lives in the long run.  Donations to your local schools for a drone education program can go on to help shape future drone professionals.  The point is, with so many options available there is a way to meet the needs of anyone on your shopping list within the field of drones.  From toys, to educational, to professional grade drones and equipment you can be sure to bring someone some holiday cheer.